All About this Tour

The River of Kings Ride through Thailand exposes you to the kingdom’s ancient history and colourful culture. From Chiang Mai, the capital of north Thailand, we cycle through the Chao Phraya River valley where Thai civilisation began and visit the ancient cities of Lampang, Sukhothai, Khampeng Phet, and Ayutthaya. The route follows quiet backroads where you will be amazed at how little traffic is encountered.

Cycling takes you off the beaten track to the lesser known towns of Pa Mok and Uthai Thani, where you will definitely find the “land of smiles." The scenery is ever changing as it starts in the mountainous north, then continues through the emerald paddy fields of the central rice belt and then to the rugged jungles of Kanchanaburi before arriving in the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok.

The River of Kings Ride takes you back in time, far from the busy streets and fast-paced modern city to a period of more than 700 years ago. It’s a tour where you can lose yourself in old world ruins and history, thereby experiencing the culture of this truly mesmerising country.

Additional Cost Details

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Itinerary

Day 1

Meet for a welcome dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Ping River.

Day 2

Explore the ancient and modern city of Chiang Mai and drive up Doi Suthep to Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep (AD 1384), the most sacred temple in North Thailand, to take in a panoramic view of the city.

Day 3

We ride south along the Ping River to the ancient city of Lamphun for lunch, stop for a visit to Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, and transfer to Lampang -- the Cowboy Town.

Day 4

Ride on country roads through local villages, with time to stroll through markets or stop at one of the many temples we pass. We climb a few hills to the Mysterious Rock Garden.

Day 5

We head off the beaten track as we wind towards Sri Satchanalai Historical Park and transfer to our hotel in the first capital of Thailand, Sukhothai.

Day 6

Enjoy a day of riding around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai to see some of the 193 ruins. Cycle at a leisurely pace so you can capture some of the stunning Buddha statues.

Day 7

Cycle on pleasant country roads to Khampeng Phet, a fortress city used to help defend Sukhothai from invading armies.

Day 8

You'll quickly understand why Thailand is the top exporter of rice when you see the many paddies on the way to Uthai Thani. Lunch on a charming restored rice barge while you cruise on the Sakaekrang River.

Day 9

Ride the forested island of Thepho, where the Chao Phraya River and Sakaekrung Rivers meet, cycle to Chai Nat for lunch and visit the Wat Pa Mok's reclining Buddha in Ang Thong, before Ayutthaya.

Day 10

Cycle south to Bang Pa-In to visit the summer palace of King Rama V and then transfer to Kanchanaburi, stopping to visit the Bridge over the River Kwai before heading to our jungle resort on the riverside.

Day 11

Follow the River Kwai along a mixture of jeep trails, tarmac and quiet backroads to the city of Kanchanaburi.

Day 12

fWe visit the famous floating market in Ratchaburi and then start our bicycle ride following canal paths and small backroads.

Day 13

We transfer to Bangkok and go for a pleasurable ride in Bang Kra Jao. Our farewell dinner will be a river cruise on a converted rice barge along the Chao Praya River.

Day 14

Elevation Profiles

Reviews

Our third tour with you was an excellent one for people our age (between 71 and 74). We are impressed by the professionalism of the guide and the driver and both of them were very sympathetic.

Hildur AaseJanuary 2017

Great combination of history, local culture and the best Thai food. The guide, He was always very cheerful, polite and informative. He kept us well informed about what to expect each day Always happy and smiling!

Alison Margaret BakerJanuary 2016

We were very pleased with this tour. Our guides and driver really went out of their way to accommodate every request. We learned so much about Thai history and culture. We were able to bike through a variety of beautiful scenery, villages and see the everyday life of the Thai people. Spice Roads has been very professional and great to work with too.

We enjoyed the unique boutique style hotels. The service provided by the staff at all the locations was excellent.

At one point I scratched my arm. Our driver was prepared with a first aid kit and assisted me to clean the scratch.

We enjoyed the variety and quality of the food on this tour. It was one of my favorite parts of the tour!

Our guides and our driver went out of their way to provide us with an excellent experience.

Trip Profile

The scenery is ever changing as it starts in the mountainous north, then continues through the emerald paddy fields of the central rice belt and then to the rugged jungles of Kanchanaburi before arriving in the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok.

We ride 530 km in 11 days of riding, but this tour is mainly on road, so the distances are not too strenuous. We designed the route for those who wish to see the rural Thai countryside and the rich history of Thailand, all while enjoying an active holiday.

We have a few climbs on the first two days as we cross the hills surrounding Chiang Mai. The central part of Thailand is flat, and after the third day, we do not see many more hills of significance.

The trip is fully supported, and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of cold drinks and fresh fruit.

Suitability: You can expect a fairly gentle ride each day with none of the distances being overly long. There are a few small hills and some dirt trails, but these can be tackled by anyone with even a moderate amount of fitness. The emphasis on this tour is Thailand’s history, culture, and scenery, all off the beaten track.

Biking Conditions: This trip is mainly on tarmac roads with a few days where we will have hard packed dirt trails – no off-road experience required. An air-conditioned bus travels behind the group to support us, and participants can cycle as much or as little as they like and still enjoy the same views as the rest of the group.

Day 1 Meet in Chiang Mai

Arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and have leisure time. In the evening, we enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Ping River.

Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel

Dinner

Day 2 Chiang Mai

After breakfast, we explore the ancient and modern city of Chiang Mai, including its old city walls, gates and moat, markets, residential areas, and Tapae, Chiang Mai´s main street. We continue our tour with a drive up Doi Suthep to Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep (AD 1384), the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Inside the cloister of the temple, you will see one of the most sacred stupas in all of Thailand. A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 ft above sea level. Then visit Wat Jed Yord (AD 1455), featuring a seven-spired stupa and Wat Suan Dok, where the ashes of Chiang Mai´s royal family are interred. Dinner is your choice tonight; our guides have a list of recommendations.

Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Chiang Mai - Lampang

We ride south of Chiang Mai following a scenic route along the Ping River and eventually arrive at the ancient city of Lamphun in time for lunch. Afterwards, we visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, built around 1044 AD, and one of the finest examples of ancient Lanna temple architecture, before transferring to Lampang. Dinner is at a delightful riverside restaurant.

Wianglakor Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride 50km

+316m

-206m

Day 4 Lampang - Uttaradit

After our short transfer into the hills of Maerang, we ride on small country roads over small quaint bridges and through small local villages. You’ll also be able to get off your bike and stroll through the many colourful markets found on today’s tour. Stopping at one of the many temples we pass is also encouraged, and you might be intrigued by the town of Ban Nasan, noted for its bamboo products. We have a few hills to climb before we reach the Mysterious Rock Garden, and then it’s downhill all the way into the historic town of Phrae. Transfer to Uttaradit.

Seeharaj Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride 47km

+498m

-486m

Day 5 Uttaradit - Sukhothai

We really head off the beaten track today, as we ride on some of the most secluded and beautiful roads in Thailand with a canopy of palm trees providing some natural protection from the hot Thai sun. We pass lush green paddy fields and many villages as we head towards the first capital of Thailand, Sukhothai. The 13th-century reign is generally viewed as the “golden age” of Siam due to the fact that its influence spread as far west as Burma, east as far as Cambodia, and south down into Malaysia. Ride to Sri Satchanali Historical Park. Transfer to hotel. We have dinner at the excellent Dream Café, surrounded by artefacts and antiques.

Ruean Thai Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride 82km

+200m

-197m

Day 6 Sukhothai

A day to enjoy the original capital of Thailand by taking a ride around the historic park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are more than 193 ruins surrounded by three moats and bridged by four gateways. Bikes are the best way to enjoy this ancient city, and you won’t want to forget your camera to capture some of the stunning Buddha statues. Or simply have a day off the bike and enjoy the town of Sukhothai.

Ruean Thai Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride 25km

+78m

-78m

Day 7 Sukhothai - Khampeng Phet

Khampeng Phet, also known as the “Diamond Walled City,” was a military fortress used to help defend Sukhothai from invading armies. The moss and flower covered ruins give it a quality not seen in its more popular and restored neighbour of Sukhothai. We have plenty of time to visit the sites by foot or by bicycle. The ride to Khampeng Phet is on pleasant country roads with plenty of activity going on all around to keep your attention.

Chakungrao Riverview

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride 89km

+319m

-288m

Day 8 Khampeng Phet - Uthai Thani

Transfer in the morning before enjoying a leisurely ride along scenic roads to Uthai Thani. You’ll quickly understand why Thailand is the top exporter of rice when you see the many paddies on your route today. Look out for water buffaloes wallowing in a puddle and for ducks taking a dip in a rice field. Arrive in Uthai Thani in time for lunch on a charming restored rice barge while you cruise on the Sakaekrang River. Relax as the river banks offer up glimpses into traditional Thai-style of living – from men fishing to women doing laundry to children playing.

Uthai River Lake Resort

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride 49km

+190m

-196m

Day 9 Uthai Thani - Pa Mok - Ayutthaya

After breakfast, it's time to get on the bike for a ride on Thepho Island, named after a fish abundant in the area. This forested island is noted for its attractive lush greenery and is where the Chao Phraya and Sakaekrung Rivers meet. We cross the river several times by ferry, passing by orchards and rice fields, and ride along the shady banks of the Chao Phraya River, finally arriving in Chai Nat in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we transfer to Wat Pa Mok, where we visit a reclining Buddha before arriving in Ayutthaya. If you still have the energy, enjoy a late afternoon ride around the historic park.

Pludhaya Resort & Spa

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride 59km

+284m

-289m

Day 10 Ayutthaya - Bang Pa In - River Kwai

We ride south to Bang Pa-In to visit the Summer Palace of King Rama V, or King Chulalongkorn, who regularly spent his summers there. The structures represent a variety of architectural styles, from very old Chinese handicrafts to 19th-century European ornaments and furniture. All of them set in a large park around ponds and waterways. After a local lunch, transfer by van to Kanchanaburi, stopping to visit the Bridge over the River Kwai. Arrive at your jungle resort in the evening.

River Kwai Resotel Resort

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride 27km

+49m

-46m

Day 11 River Kwai - Kanchanaburi

We follow the River Kwai, riding through jungle, between farmer’s fields, along a mixture of jeep trails, tarmac, and quiet backroads to the town of Kanchanaburi. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant on the way.

Royal River Kwai

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride 50km

+286m

-315m

Day 12 Kanchanaburi - Floating Market

In the morning, we depart by bus to Damnoen Saduak and visit the famous floating market. We then start our bicycle ride following canal paths and small backroads where you’ll see temples and fruit orchards varying from lychees to pomelos and guavas to coconuts ripe for picking.

Amphawa River View

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride 32km

+135m

-134m

Day 13 Bangkok

We transfer to Bangkok and then take a ride in the green part of Bangkok called Bang Kra Jao, where you'll feel surprisingly removed from the bustling city just on the other side of the river. Our farewell dinner will be a river cruise on a converted rice barge on the Chao Praya River – what better way to end The River of Kings tour.

Majestic Grande Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner

Ride 20km

Day 14 Departure

Free time until your airport transfer for your onward flight.

Breakfast

Nuts & Bolts

Bikes

Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. The bikes are well-known makes of hybrid bikes with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes, and Shimano components and front suspension. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, in good mechanical order.

Bike Repairs

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Safety

Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

Guides

You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

The Nitty Gritty

Passports and Visas

All nationalities require a passport for entry into Thailand. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of your stay in the country. If staying less than 30 days then a visa in advance is not required by European, North American, Australian and many other nationalities. Please check this page to see if you qualify. You will need to show proof of an onward flight out of Thailand to be eligible for the visa on arrival. This is strictly enforced.

Health

We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.

Weather

Thailand generally has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. The North and Central region have a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. Northeast Thailand has a humid hot and dry weather alternatively with medium rain while the coastal areas of the east is humid and hot with intermittent rain. The South of Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity.

There are three seasons: from March to June it is hot and dry, with temperatures between 27˚C/80 F and 40˚C/104 F, with night temperatures in the 20s. The rainy season is from July to October, but temperatures are slightly lower, because of the effect of the rain. During this time it will not rain continuously, but in sharp bursts, and the sun can come out quickly. The cooler season is from October to February, with average temperatures between 20˚C/68 F and 30˚C/86 F.

Food

Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries, and soups. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Drink

Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.

Solo Travelers

SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.

Extra Expenses

We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$20 per day, for incidentals.

Money

The Thai currency is the baht. ATMs, which are abundant, are the easiest ways to get Thai baht. Have a supply of US dollars in cash on hand, just in case your card doesn’t work. Banks or the rarer private moneychangers offer the best foreign-exchange rates. Credit cards are accepted in big cities and resort hotels but you’ll need baht for family-run guesthouses or restaurants.

General booking info

Booking

If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place: Read our Booking Conditions

From the tour page click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office. For the next steps you'll need to know the names of the people traveling and have either a Visa or a MasterCard. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height, or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). However, if you wish to get a children's discount, please do fill out the date of birth of the riders. If you are having any problems, please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 2 381 7490) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.

Deposit

For Long Tours (7 days or more) to guarantee your place we require a 30% or 500 USD deposit, whichever is the greater. For Short Tours (6 days or less) we require full payment to guarantee your place. We also require that you take out travel insurance when you book your holiday. Besides covering you during your holiday it will also enable you to claim for any money that you have paid to us, including your deposit, should you have to cancel your trip.

Balance

Full payment must be paid 45 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights. Our confirmation will include personal details you provided us (including your flight information), visa application advice, a packing suggestion list and a detailed tour itinerary. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday.

Cancellation Policy

On the rare occasions when we, SpiceRoads, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions. If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to when you cancel. For full details, please read our cancellation policy.

Loyalty Riders Club

For those who have been on several long tours with us we reward customer loyalty by offering repeat customers a special discount off the tour price (excludes single supplement and bike rental). If this is your fourth scheduled tour or more you will receive a 5% discount. If this is your eighth scheduled tour or more we will extend a 10% discount. The discount will be reflected in your online booking, but please contact us if any questions. Loyalty discounts can not be used in conjunction with any other offer. Note: Only tours of 7 days or more will be applicable for loyalty discount.

International Flights

International flights, to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. Once your tour is Guaranteed to Depart you can book your flight. Please contact us for advice before arranging flights for the best arrival and departure times. We would only cancel a trip for an extreme circumstance, but in that case, where we cancel your trip, we cannot be liable for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made. Please claim any losses from your travel insurance that you acquired when you booked your holiday.

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The information in this document is given in good faith, and covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, however, we will always do our best to adhere to this original itinerary